acilación

Acylation is a chemical reaction in which an acyl group is introduced into a molecule. An acyl group is a functional group derived from a carboxylic acid by removal of the hydroxyl group. This process typically involves the reaction of a molecule with an acylating agent, such as an acyl halide or an acid anhydride.

The most common type of acylation is Friedel-Crafts acylation, where an acyl halide or anhydride reacts with an aromatic compound in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, like aluminum chloride, to form an aromatic ketone. Another significant acylation reaction is the acylation of alcohols or amines. For instance, acylating an alcohol with an acyl halide or anhydride forms an ester, while acylating an amine forms an amide.

Acylation reactions are crucial in organic synthesis for various purposes. They are used to protect functional groups, modify the properties of molecules, and build more complex structures. In biochemistry, acylation plays a role in modifying proteins and lipids, influencing their function and localization within cells. For example, the acylation of amino acid residues in proteins can alter protein-protein interactions and enzyme activity. The introduction of acyl groups can change a molecule's polarity, solubility, and reactivity, making acylation a versatile tool in chemical and biological processes.